CN1384864A - Fabric care composition containing polycarboxylate polymer and compound derived from urea - Google Patents

Abstract

A water-based fabric care composition for use in a washing or rinsing cycle of a washing machine for cleaning or softening fabrics and simultaneously providing the treated fabrics with improved benefits in terms of moisture absorption, fragrance deposition, stain removal, reduced wrinkles before ironing, and better appearance after ironing, the composition comprising: (a) about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of a surfactant selected from anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactants, wherein the surfactant is not derived from hydrazine; (b) about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of (i) a polymer derived from a polycarboxylic acid; and (ii) a compound derived from a urea; and (c) the balance being water and auxiliaries.

Description

Fabric care composition comprising polycarboxylate polymer and urea-derived compound

The present invention relates to aqueous fabric care compositions for use in wash or rinse tanks which provide improved benefits to treated fabrics. More particularly, the present invention relates to fabric care compositions comprising polycarboxylate polymers and urea-derived compounds which provide the associated moisture absorption, fragrance deposition, stain removal, ironing, etc. Improved benefits in terms of reduced wrinkling before and better appearance after ironing.

Background of the Invention

Fabric care compositions which achieve a softening effect in the wash or rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine or in an aqueous wash/rinse tank are well known in the prior art. Although these fabric care compositions are recognized as providing very good softening properties to treated fabrics, they have certain negative effects on various properties such as moisture absorption, fragrance deposition and fabric wrinkling before ironing Defects of the treated fabric.

Starches and starch solutions are well known compositions which assist in the removal of wrinkles during ironing from fabrics which have been previously washed/rinsed with various commercial laundry fabric care compositions. However, the use of such starch solutions does not overcome the aforementioned disadvantages associated with the use of commercial fabric softening compositions.

Polyacrylate polymers have been incorporated into detergents for various benefits. In general, polyacrylate polymers provide cleaning benefits in detergents due to their increased soil spreading properties in the wash water and the builder properties of such polymers themselves. Such polymers generally do not deposit onto the fabric surface.

To improve the wrinkle and stain resistance of fabrics, US Patent No. 5,879,749 discloses the use of a fabric treatment composition containing multifunctional molecules in combination with urea-derived compounds, such as those derived from polyacrylic acid. During pressing or ironing of the fabric, the urea-derived compound is said to cross-link the multifunctional molecule and thereby impart wrinkle resistance to the fabric.

A class of polymers which are known to be deposited onto fabric surfaces by such wash liquors are known as soil release polymers. These polymers are typically polyethylene terephthalate/polyoxyethylene terephthalate polymers deposited onto fabrics, especially polyester fabrics. They act to make the surface of the fabric more hydrophilic so that oily soils can be easily removed. However, the benefits of these polymers are limited to soil release, and even the aforementioned benefits are mainly limited to polyester-containing fabrics.

The use of polycarboxylates in fabric softening compositions is known. US Patent Nos. 4,043,965, 3,993,830 and 3,821,147, assigned to Colgate-Palmolive, describe softening compositions containing polyacrylate polymers to provide soil release benefits. Maintaining the pH of the above composition below 3 makes the polymer insoluble and deposits on fabrics when it is added to the rinse tank.

Therefore, it is not possible in the prior art to deposit polyacrylate-based substances on the surface of fabrics from wash or rinse liquors over a wide pH range, thereby providing the treated fabrics with various A significant fabric care benefit.

Summary of Invention

The present invention provides an aqueous fabric care composition for use in the wash or rinse cycle of a washing machine for cleaning or softening fabrics while providing the treated fabric with the benefits of moisture absorption, fragrance deposition, stain removal, pre-ironing Improved benefits in reduced wrinkling and better appearance after ironing, it contains:

(a) from about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of a surfactant selected from anionic, nonionic and cationic surfactants, wherein the surfactant is not derived from hydrazine;

(b) from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of (i) polymers derived from polycarboxylic acids; and (ii) compounds derived from urea; and

(c) The balance of water and additives.

The present invention is based on the discovery that use of the fabric care compositions of the present invention in an aqueous wash or rinse bath deposits effective amounts of said polymers and urea-derived compounds onto the surface of the fabric and thereby contributes to the treated fabric. Provides the previously mentioned fabric care benefits. In contrast to those prior art which exemplify the direct application of a fabric treatment solution containing polyacrylic acid polymers but no surfactants to said fabrics by spraying with a pump or sprayer, the compositions of the present invention can be used in the washing cycle of a washing machine or Deposits on fabrics during the rinse cycle. Although applicants do not wish to be bound by any theory of operation, it is believed that the presence of the surfactant in the compositions of the present invention serves a dual purpose: it facilitates the deposition of the polymer onto the fabric from the wash or rinse tank; Improved fabric care benefits not previously provided or appreciated using conventional fabric treatment compositions.

It is believed that the aforementioned urea-derived compound does not cross-link (the cross-linking reaction is thermally activated) prior to ironing the fabric, but the aforementioned polymer/urea-derived compound combination is capable of providing reduced fabric wrinkling prior to ironing pleats. It is hypothesized that the wrinkle reduction is due to preferential hydrogen bonding between the polymer/urea derived compound composition and the cellulose fibers of the cotton fabric, rather than hydrogen bonding within the cellulose fibers. The aforementioned hydrogen bonding within the cellulosic fibers is part of the wrinkle formation mechanism following deformation of the fabric geometry during the wash/rinse process. By applying the present invention to reduce the level of hydrogen bonding within the cellulose fibers, the number of wrinkles that remain on the fabric when it dries is significantly reduced.

Finally, the aforementioned urea-derived compounds are activated during ironing of said fabrics. The urea-derived compound described above then binds to the polymer chains to form a hard film on the surface of the fabric. This is believed to be effective in maintaining the shape of the fabric that was forced upon it by ironing.

Detailed description of the invention

Polymers useful for the present invention are derived from polycarboxylic acids. They can be prepared by polymerizing or copolymerizing suitable unsaturated monomers, preferably in their acid form. Unsaturated monomeric acids that can be polymerized to form suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid (or maleic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citrate Conic acid and methylene malonic acid.

Particularly suitable polymeric polycarboxylates can be derived from acrylic acid. Such acrylic acid-based polymers useful herein are the water-soluble salts of polymerized acrylic acid. The average molecular weight of such acid form polymers is preferably from 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably from 4,000 to 7,000, most preferably from 4,000 to 5,000. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid polymers may include, for example, alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. Such soluble polymers are known substances.

Acrylic/maleic acid based copolymers may also be used. Such materials include the water-soluble salts of copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid. The average molecular weight of such acid form copolymers is preferably from 2,000 to 100,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 75,000, most preferably from 7,000 to 65,000. The ratio of acrylate to maleate segments in such copolymers is generally from 30:1 to 1:1, more preferably from 10:1 to 2:1. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymers may include, for example, alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. Soluble acrylate/maleate copolymers of this type are known materials described in EP 193,360 (published 3 September 1986).

The compounds of the invention are derived from urea. The compounds preferably used here are derived from urea and contain at least two hydroxyl groups. Hydroxyalkylureas (HAUs) such as N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea are particularly preferred. Exemplary HAU compounds include, but are not limited to, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea, tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea, tris(2-hydroxyethyl)urea, N,N'-bis( 2-hydroxyethyl)urea, N,N'-bis(3-hydroxypropyl)urea, N,N'-bis(4-hydroxybutyl)urea and 2-urea-2-ethyl-1,3 - Propylene glycol.

The compositions of the present invention may be used in the wash or rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine or in an aqueous wash or rinse tank in a hand washing operation.

When used in a rinse tank or in the rinse cycle of a washing machine, the above compositions contain a cationic surfactant fabric softener other than a hydrazine derivative.

Fabric softening compounds useful in the compositions of the present invention are fabric quaternary ammonium or amine compounds suitable for conditioning fabrics.

其中各R₄独立表示具有8至22个碳原子的脂族烃基；R₅表示(CH₂)_s-R₇，其中R₇表示含有8至22个碳原子的烷氧羰基、苄基、苯基、C₁-C₄烷基取代的苯基、OH或H；R₆表示(CH₂)_tR₈，其中R₈表示苄基、苯基、C₁-C₄烷基取代的苯基、OH或H；q、r、s及t各独立表示1至3的数字；x为a价的阴离子。A preferred softening compound is a biodegradable fatty ester quaternary ammonium compound of formula II:

Wherein each R ₄ independently represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms; R ₅ represents (CH ₂ ) _s -R ₇ , wherein R ₇ represents an alkoxycarbonyl, benzyl, benzene group containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms group, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl substituted phenyl, OH or H; R ₆ represents (CH ₂ ) _t R ₈ , wherein R ₈ represents benzyl, phenyl, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl substituted phenyl , OH or H; q, r, s and t each independently represent a number from 1 to 3; x is an a-valent anion.

The above-mentioned fatty ester quaternary compound is preferably a diester compound, that is, R ₇ represents benzyl, phenyl, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl substituted phenyl, hydroxyl (OH) or hydrogen (H). Most preferably _R7 represents OH or H, especially preferably OH, such as _R5 is hydroxyethyl.

q, r and s each independently represent a number from 1 to 3.

其中各R₄可以衍生自如硬或软的牛油基、椰油基、硬脂基、油基等。这类化合物可以买到，例如Tetranyl AT1-75(出自Kao Corp.Japan)，它是二牛油酯三乙醇胺季铵甲基硫酸盐。Tetranyl AT1-75是基于约25％的硬牛油与约75％的软牛油的混合物。第二种例子就是HipochemX-89107(出自High Point Chemical Corporation)。X represents a counter ion of a valence. For example, the diester quaternary compound can be a compound represented by the formula:

Wherein each R ₄ can be derived from such as hard or soft tallow, coco, stearyl, oleyl and the like. Such compounds are commercially available, for example, Tetranyl AT1-75 (from Kao Corp. Japan), which is ditallow triethanolamine quaternary ammonium methylsulfate. Tetranyl AT1-75 is based on a blend of about 25% hard tallow and about 75% soft tallow. A second example is HipochemX-89107 (from High Point Chemical Corporation).

Another preferred fabric softening compound is an amido (or ester) tertiary amine, which is an inorganic or organic acid salt of formula (III): Wherein R ₁ and R ₂ independently represent C ₁₂ to C ₃₀ aliphatic hydrocarbon group, R ₃ represents (CH ₂ CH ₂ O) _PH , CH ₃ or H; T represents NH; n is an integer from 1 to 5, m is 1 An integer from 5 to 5, p=1 to 10.

R ₃ in formula (III) represents (CH ₂ CH ₂ O) _p H, CH ₃ or H or a mixture thereof. When R ₃ represents the preferred (CH ₂ CH ₂ O) _p H group, p is a positive number representing the average degree of ethoxylation, and is preferably 1 to 10, especially 1.4 to 6, more preferably about 1.5 to 4, most preferably 1.5 to 3.0. n and m are integers from 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 3, especially 2. Compounds of formula ( _III ) wherein _R represents the preferred ( _CH2CH2O ) _PH group are broadly referred to herein as ethoxylated amidoamines (when T=NH) or ethyl Oxylated esteramines (when T=O), and the term " _hydroxyethyl " is also used to describe the ( _CH2CH2O ) _PH group.

Most particularly preferred are compounds of formula (III) from the Witco Chemical Company available under the tradenames Varisoft 512 (90% strength, 10% organic solvent) or Varisoft 511 (approximately 100% active ingredient concentration), It is bis(tallowyl-amidoethyl)hydroxyethylamine having the formula:

In the non-neutralized (non-protonated) form, the fatty amide or fatty ester tertiary amine compound has little or no dispersibility in water. Therefore, in the present invention, at least _a portion of the amine functional groups of the above-mentioned amidoamine or esteramine compounds are neutralized by protons from a dissociable acid, such as mineral acids such as HCl, _H2SO4 , _HNO3, etc. , or organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, etc. Mixtures of these acids can also be used, as can any other acid capable of neutralizing the amine functionality described above. The above acid-neutralized compounds are believed to form a reversible complex, that is, the bond between the amine function and the proton will disappear at basic pH conditions. This is in contrast to quaternization, such as with methyl groups, where the quaternizing group is covalently bound to the positively charged amine nitrogen and is essentially pH independent.

The amount _of acid used will depend on the "strength" of the acid; strong acids such as HCl and _H2SO4 completely dissociate in water, thus providing a large number of free protons (H ⁺ ), while weak acids such as citric, glycolic, lactic and others Organic acids cannot be completely dissociated, so higher concentrations are required to achieve the same neutralization effect. Generally, however, when the pH of the composition is adjusted to be strongly acidic, ie between about 1.5 and 4, the amount of acid required to achieve complete protonation of the amine will be achieved. HCl and glycolic acid are preferred, with HCl being particularly preferred.

Additionally, the amount of acid used for neutralization should be sufficient to provide a molar ratio of said acid to the total amount of fabric softener fatty amide or ester tertiary amine of at least 0.5:1 and up to about 1:1. In the case of organic carboxylic acids, however, preference is given to using said neutralizing acid in molar excess. It has been found that in terms of stability and/or softening effect, the molar ratio of organic carboxylic acid to compound of formula (III) is as high as about 6:1, for example 1.5:1 to 6:1, such as 2:1, 3:1 or 4 :1 is advantageous. It is particularly preferred to use a molar excess of glycolic acid.

Another preferred class of fabric softening compounds for use herein is the class of compounds known as alkyl quaternary amines, commonly referred to as "quats" by those skilled in the art. Other softening compounds known to those skilled in the art may also be included in the fabric care compositions for the purposes of the present invention.

Emulsifiers for the fabric softening compositions of the present invention are necessary to stabilize the compositions and prevent phase separation. Fatty alcohol ethoxylates useful for this purpose correspond to the ethylene oxide condensation products of higher fatty alcohols having about 9 to 15 carbon atoms, the number of ethylene oxide groups per mole is about 10 to 30. In preferred fatty alcohol ethoxylates for use herein, the alkyl chain length is about 13 to 15 carbon atoms and the number of ethylene groups is about 15 to 20 per mole. Particularly preferred for use herein is Synperonic A20, a nonionic surfactant produced by ICI Chemicals, which is an ethoxylated _C13 - _C15 fatty alcohol having 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol and having an HLB of 8.25.

When used in the wash cycle of a sink or washing machine, the composition contains anionic and/or nonionic surfactants.

Among said anionic surface-active compounds, useful in the present invention are those surface-active compounds which contain in their molecular structure an organic hydrophobic group and at least one water-solubilizing group to form water-soluble detergents. The organic hydrophobic group contains about 8 to 26, preferably about 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and the water solubilizing group is selected from the group consisting of sulfonate, sulfate, carboxylate, phosphonate and phosphate.

Examples of suitable anionic detergents include soaps, such as water-soluble salts of higher fatty acids (such as sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts) or soaps containing about 8 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Resin salt. Particularly useful are the sodium and potassium salts of fatty acid mixtures derived from coconut oil and tallow, such as sodium coconut soap and potassium tallow soap.

Detergents of the above-mentioned anionic type also include water-soluble sulfated and sulfonated detergents having aliphatic (preferably containing alkyl groups of about 8 to 26, preferably about 12 to 22 carbon atoms). Examples of sulfonated anionic detergents are higher alkylarylsulfonates, such as higher alkylbenzenesulfonates containing about 10 to 16 carbon atoms in the linear or branched higher alkyl group, e.g. Sodium, potassium and ammonium salts of higher alkylbenzenesulfonic acids, higher alkyltoluenesulfonic acids and higher alkylphenolsulfonic acids.

Other suitable anionic detergents are olefin sulfonates which include long chain olefin sulfonates, long chain hydroxyalkyl sulfonates or mixtures of olefin sulfonates and hydroxyalkyl sulfonates. The above-mentioned olefinic sulfonates can be prepared conventionally by reacting _SO with long chain olefins containing about 8 to 25, preferably about 12 to 21, carbon atoms to form sultones and olefin sulfonates. A mixture of acids, which is then treated to convert the sultones to sulphonates. Wherein the olefin used in the reaction has the formula RCH=CHR ₁ , wherein R is a higher alkyl group having about 6 to 23 carbon atoms, and R ₁ is an alkyl group having about 1 to 17 carbon atoms or hydrogen. Other examples of sulfate or sulfonate detergents are alkanesulfonates containing about 10 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably about 15 to 20 carbon atoms. Primary alkane sulfonates are prepared by the reaction of long-chain alpha-olefins with acid sulfites.

Other suitable anionic detergents are sulfated ethoxylated higher _{fatty alcohols of the formula RO(C2H4O)mSO3M , where} R is _a fatty alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms and m is 2 to 6 (preferably having a value of about 1/5 to 1/2 of the number of carbon atoms in R), M is a cation that forms a solubilizing salt, such as alkali metal, ammonium, lower alkylamino or lower alkanolamino; or is a higher alkylbenzene sulfonate, wherein the higher alkyl has 10 to 15 carbon atoms. The proportion of ethylene oxide in the polyethoxylated higher alkanol sulfate is preferably from 2 to 5 moles of ethylene oxide groups per mole of anionic detergent, most preferably 3 moles, especially when the higher alkane When the alcohol has 11 to 15 carbon atoms. A preferred polyethoxylated alcohol sulfate detergent is sold by Shell Chemical Company as Neodol 25-3S.

The most preferred water-soluble anionic detergent compounds are ammonium salts and substituted ammonium salts (such as mono-, di- and triethanolamines), alkali metal salts (such as sodium and Potassium) and alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium and magnesium. Of the anionic detergent compounds listed above, most preferred are linear alkylbenzene sulfonate sodium salts (LABS), especially those wherein the alkyl group is a straight chain alkyl group having 12 or 13 carbon atoms.

Any suitable nonionic detergent compound can be used as the surfactant in the compositions of the present invention, various members of which are described by John W. McCutcheon in various annual issues of Detergent and Emulsifiers. These volumes give the chemical formulas and trade names of commercial nonionic detergents sold in the United States, and substantially all such detergents are useful in the compositions of the present invention. However, it is highly preferred that such nonionic detergents be condensation products of ethylene oxide and higher fatty alcohols (although as alternatives to said higher fatty alcohols, higher fatty acids and alkyl [octyl, nonyl and iso Octyl]phenol). The higher aliphatic moieties of such alcohols, such as the alkyl group, and the resulting condensation products are generally linear and have 10 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 15 carbon atoms, and sometimes most preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms. Since such fatty alcohols are generally available only in the form of mixtures, the number of carbon atoms given must be an average, but in some cases the range of carbon atoms may be the actual value for the alcohol used and the corresponding alkyl group. limit.

The ethylene oxide (EtO) content of the nonionic detergents described above is typically from 3 to 15 moles of EtO per mole of higher aliphatic alcohol, although up to 20 moles of EtO may also be present. This EtO content is preferably 3 to 10 moles, more preferably 6 to 7 moles, such as 6.5 or 7 moles, per mole of higher fatty alcohol (and per mole of nonionic detergent). As with the aforementioned higher aliphatic alcohols, the given polyethoxylate limits are also limits on the mean value of the number of EtO groups present in the condensation product. Examples of suitable nonionic detergents include those sold under the trademark Neodol ^(R) by Shell Chemical Company, including Neodol 25-7, Neodol 23-6.5 and Neodol 25-3.

Other useful nonionic detergent compounds include alkylpolyglycoside and alkylpolysaccharide surfactants, which are well known and extensively described in the art.

Preferred alkyl polysaccharides for use herein are alkyl polyglucosides having the formula:

RO(C _n H _2n O) _r (Z) _x wherein Z is derived from glucose; R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylphenyl, hydroxyalkylphenyl and mixtures thereof (wherein said alkyl contains about 10 to 18 , preferably about 12 to about 14 carbon atoms); n is 2 or 3, preferably 2; r is 0 to 10, preferably 0; x is 1.5 to 8, preferably 1.5 to 4, most preferably 1.6 to 2.7 . To prepare these compounds, long chain alcohols ( _R2OH , where _R2 is about _C10 to _C18 alkyl) can be reacted with glucose in the presence of an acid catalyst to form the desired glycoside. Alternatively, alkyl polyglucosides can be prepared by a two-step process. In the two-step process, short-chain alcohols (R ₁ OH, where R ₁ is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms) react with glucose or polyglucosides (x = 2 to 4) to give short-chain alkyl groups Glucosides (x=1 to 4), which in turn can be reacted with long chain alcohols (R ₂ OH) to replace short chain alcohols and give the desired alkyl polyglucosides. If this two-step process is used, the short-chain alkyl glucoside content in the final alkyl polyglucoside product should be less than 50%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than about 5% of the alkyl polyglucoside. %, most preferably 0%.

Example 1

  Reduced wrinkling after ironing with liquid detergents containing polymers

The purpose of this example is to demonstrate that high performance liquid detergents containing the fabric care composition of the present invention, when used in the wash cycle of an automatic washing machine, provide the benefit of reduced wrinkling and improved wrinkle resistance after ironing. The following compositions were prepared as shown in Table 1. Samples 1 and 3 were control compositions and Samples 2 and 4 were compositions of the invention.

Table 1 Element% sample 1 sample 2 sample 3 Sample 4 C13-15 7EO ethoxylated alcohol 8.0% by weight 8.0% by weight 5.07% by weight 5.07% by weight C12-14 3EO alcohol sulfate 2.0 2.0 3.4 3.4 Sodium C12-14 benzenesulfonate (NaLAS) 8.3 8.3 9.00 9.00 Sodium citrate ---- ---- 2.046 2.046 Sodium silicate 2.0 2.0 ---- ---- ethanol 2.0 2.0 0.25 0.25 Secondary ingredient ~1.0 ~1.0 ~1.00 ~1.0 Polymer/urea derived compound composition ^* (50% actives) ---- 2.0 ---- 2.0

^* This polymer/urea derived compound composition consists of 16.7 g of Alcosperse 602N polyacrylic acid having an average molecular weight of 4,500-5,000 (available from Alco Chemical Company, Chattanooga, TN) (45% actives) and 1.0 g of dihydroxyethyl Urea (85% actives) composition. The above mixture was stirred until a solution was formed. This is a 50% active solution.

Ten 10" x 10" percale cotton samples for each sample were prepared by washing with 80 g of US commercial ultra-concentrated high-efficiency laundry detergent in a 17 gallon top loading washing machine set on hot. After the wash cycle described above, the swatches were dried in an electric laundry dryer and laid flat for storage.

The above swatches were added to a 4 lb additional load of clothing and the entire load was washed in a 17 gallon top loading washing machine. The above load was washed with 120 g of detergent on a heat setting (~120F), 100 ppm hardness, for a 10 minute wash cycle. Do not add anything to the rinse cycle. The wash cycle above was repeated for a total of two cycles, with 5 swatches from each cycle being air dried and 5 tumble dry. After drying overnight, lay the swatches flat for storage. Set to steam iron each of the above swatches for about 30 seconds in the cotton state. The swatches were compared visually after ironing by a ten-person panel to determine which piece had less wrinkling. Evaluations were performed under controlled lighting conditions. The results are listed in Table 2.

Table 2 cotton sample Sample 1 vs Sample 2 "Which looks less wrinkled?" Sample 3 vs. Sample 4 "Which looks less wrinkled?" sample 1 sample 2 sample 3 Sample 4 1 0 10 0 10 2 1 9 0 10 3 0 10 0 10 4 1 9 0 10 5 0 10 0 10 6 0 10 2 8 7 3 7 1 9 8 1 9 0 10 9 0 10 1 9 10 3 7 0 10 winner sample 2 Sample 4

As shown in Table 2, the test results of the two types of HDL formulations, the swatches washed in the compositions of the present invention (samples 2 and 4) showed a higher degree of ironing than those washed in the control compositions (samples 1 and 3). The swatches have significantly less wrinkling.

Example 2

  Reduced wrinkling after ironing with polymer-based fabric softener

The purpose of this example is to demonstrate the post-ironing benefit in terms of wrinkle reduction and improved wrinkle resistance when a fabric care composition of the present invention containing a cationic fabric softener is used in the rinse cycle of a washing machine. The following compositions were prepared as shown in Table 3. Sample 5 is a control composition and Sample 6 is a composition of the invention.

table 3 Element Sample 5 Sample 6 C13-C15 20EO Alcohol Nonionic Surfactant 0.20% by weight 0.20% by weight C16-18 Ester Quaternary Ammonium Methyl Sulfate Cationic Softener 3.30 3.30 C16-18 fatty alcohol 0.83 0.83 Secondary ingredient ~0.5 ~0.5 Polymer/urea derived compound composition ^* (50% actives) --- 2.0 water Appropriate amount Appropriate amount

^* The polymer/urea derived compound composition is the same as described in Example 1.

Twenty 10" x 10" percale cotton samples were prepared for each sample by washing with 80 g of US Tide SCHDD in a 17 gallon top loading washing machine set to hot wash. After the above wash cycle, the above swatches were dried in an electric laundry dryer and laid flat for storage.

The above swatches were washed in a 17 gallon top loading washing machine. The above load was washed through a 10 minute wash cycle with 62 g of a commercial phosphate built anionic laundry powder on the heat setting (-120F) at 100 ppm hardness. Add 110ml of the softener product to the rinse cycle. 5 swatches from each cycle were air dried and 5 were oven dried. After drying overnight, lay the swatches flat for storage. Set each of the above swatches to iron with steam for about 30 seconds in the cotton state. After ironing, the swatches were visually compared by a panel of twenty persons to determine which one had less wrinkles. Evaluations were performed under controlled lighting conditions. The results are listed in Table 4.

Table 4 "Which one is easier to iron/has less creases" preferred Confidence dry swatches Sample 6 90% dry swatches Sample 6 90%

As shown in Table 4, the above panelists selected that the swatches washed in detergent + softener containing the composition of the invention (sample 6) were easier to iron/better than those washed in the control composition (sample 5). Less wrinkles.

Example 3

Reduced wrinkling before ironing

Fabric softening compositions were formulated as shown in Table 5. Samples 7, 9 and 10 are control compositions, while Sample 8 is a fabric care composition of the present invention.

table 5 Element Sample 7 Sample 8 Sample 9 sample 10 C13-15 20EO Alcohol Nonionic Surfactant 0.20% by weight 0.20% by weight 0.20% by weight 0.20% by weight C16-18 Ester Quaternary Ammonium Methyl Sulfate Cationic Softener 3.30 3.30 3.30 3.30 C16-18 fatty alcohol 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 Secondary ingredient ~0.5 ~0.5 ~0.5 ~0.5 Polymer/urea derived compound composition ^* (50% actives) --- 2.0 --- --- Polyacrylic acid MW4500 (Acusol 445) --- --- 1.0 --- Terpolymer (Alcosperse 408) --- --- --- 1.0 water Appropriate amount Appropriate amount Appropriate amount Appropriate amount ^* The composition/urea derived compound composition is the same as described in Example 1.

A women's cotton white smock (Land's End) for each sample was prepared by washing at 55C in a 17 gallon top loading washing machine with 80 g of US commercial SCHDD powder and then drying in an electric laundry dryer.

The smocks for each sample were washed with 62 g of the aforementioned SCHDD powder and 120F water in a 17 gallon top loading washing machine under a 4 lb load, with a 10 minute wash cycle. To remove excess suds, rinse the load twice. The softener composition (85ml) was added to the second rinse and the rinse cycle lasted 2 minutes (cycle of the machine). The washed items are then removed from the sink and the wash/rinse cycle described above is repeated using the same product. After the second cycle, items were left to air overnight. The smocks were hung up prior to visual evaluation.

The smocks were compared individually in a pairwise comparison by a panel of ten persons to answer the question: "Which one looks less wrinkled?" The results are reported in Table 6.

Table 6 women's blouse Sample 7 vs. Sample 8 Sample 7 vs. Sample 9 Sample 7 vs. Sample 10 Sample 8 vs. Sample 9 Sample 8 vs. Sample 10 score 0:10 0: 64 did not make a judgment 2: 26 did not make a judgment 9:01 No judgment made 10:0 winner Sample 8 quite quite Sample 8 Sample 8

As shown in Table 6, garments washed in control compositions containing polyacrylate or terpolymer (Samples 9 and 10) showed no wrinkling compared to the control composition containing no polymer (Sample 7) reduction. Garments washed in the inventive composition (Sample 8) containing the polymer/urea derived compound composition showed statistically significant wrinkle reduction compared to all 3 control compositions.

Example 4

  Improved Moisture Transfer Properties

The fabric care compositions for the rinse cycle were provided as shown in Table 7. Sample 11 is a control composition, while sample 12 is a composition of the invention.

Table 7 Element Sample 11 Sample 12 C13-15 20EO Alcohol Nonionic Surfactant 0.20% by weight 0.20% by weight C16-18 Ester Quaternary Ammonium Methyl Sulfate Cationic Softener 3.30 3.30 C16-18 fatty alcohol 0.83 0.83 Secondary ingredient ~0.5 ~0.5 Polymer/urea derived compound composition ^* (50% actives) --- 2.0 water Appropriate amount Appropriate amount

^* The polymer/urea derived compound composition is the same as described in Example 1.

Ten swatches of 10" x 10" percale cotton cloth were placed as tracers into the 4 lb topping load of each garment for each sample. The above load was washed with 80 g of commercial detergent in hot water in a 17 gallon top loading washing machine. Add 85ml of the softener composition to a rinse cycle lasting 2 minutes (the machine's rinse cycle time). The load was dried in an electric laundry dryer between wash/rinse cycles. The above loads are washed/rinsed/dried through multiple cycles.

Moisture transfer from the aforementioned fabrics was tested by spreading the percale cotton sample tracer on an aluminum foil surface and measuring the time required for a blue-dyed water droplet to spread and become adsorbed on the surface. Each sample was measured 10 times. The results are shown in Table 8.

Table 8 number of cycles Average Absorption Time Sample 11 Average Absorption Time Sample 12 10 15.1 seconds 1.6 seconds 15 13.4 seconds 1.2 seconds 20 26.8 seconds 1.4 seconds

As shown in Table 8, after only 10 cycles, the swatches washed in the composition of the invention (Sample 12) showed significantly improved moisture transfer compared to the control (Sample 11).

Example 5

Effect of Polymer/Urea Derived Compound Composition Alone in Rinse Cycle

The purpose of this example is to demonstrate that the polymer/urea derived compound combination is effective when the polymer/urea derived compound composition is diluted in an aqueous wash/rinse tank soaking fabrics in the absence of surfactant (control composition). Whether the use of the substance will bring benefits. Compositions were provided as shown in Table 9.

Table 9 Element Sample 13 Sample 14 Sample 15 Polymer/urea derived compound composition ^* (50% actives) ---- 2.0% by weight 2.0% by weight Citric Acid (50% actives) ---- 0.13 ---- Sodium carbonate ---- ---- 5.0 water 100 Appropriate amount Appropriate amount pH 7.2 11.5

^* The polymer/urea derived compound composition is the same as described in Example 1.

Ten samples of 10" x 10" percale cotton cloth for each sample were prepared by washing with 90 g of US commercial SCHDD powder with 55C water in a top loading 17 gallon washing machine. Dry the above swatches and lay them flat before use.

The swatches were then washed in a 17 gallon top loading washing machine at 120F for 10 minutes. 62g of SCHDD powder was used as detergent. A preliminary rinse was performed on the above swatches to remove excess detergent. 110 ml of the sample composition was added in the second rinse. This rinse cycle lasts 2 minutes (the cycle time of the washing machine). After the above washing/rinsing cycle is completed, the washing/rinsing cycle is repeated. The swatches were dried after the second cycle (5 air dry and 5 tumble dry in each set). After drying, the above swatches were laid flat and stored in air-tight plastic Ziploc bags.

Visual evaluation of the aforementioned swatches did not show wrinkle reduction for Samples 14 and 15 relative to Sample 13 (water only). Visual comparisons by a ten-person panel did not show that the polymer/urea derived compound compositions rinsed (samples 14 and 15) versus water rinses (samples 13) even after ironing (which generally adds to the above differences). significant difference. As a last resort, ESCA analysis was performed on the percale cotton samples described above to determine if any deposition of the polymer/urea derived compound composition had occurred. ESCA results showed that for samples 14 and 15, the above polymer did not deposit on the cloth.

Based on the above, it is noted that adding the above polymers alone (without surfactant) to the wash/rinse tank at levels similar to those used in the compositions of the invention does not produce the benefit (as demonstrated in Examples 1 to 4).

Example 6

Improved fragrance deposition on fabrics

The purpose of this example is to demonstrate that the compositions of the present invention provide improved fragrance deposition on fabrics when used in the rinse cycle of a washing machine. Compositions were prepared as shown in Table 10. Sample 16 is a control composition, while sample 17 is a composition of the invention.

Table 10 Element sample 16 Sample 17 C16-18 Ester Quaternary Ammonium Methyl Sulfate Cationic Softener 8.0% by weight 8.0% by weight C13-15 20EO non-ionic alcohol 0.3 0.3 spices 0.75 0.75 Polymer/urea derived compound composition ^* (50% actives) ---- 2.0 water Appropriate amount Appropriate amount

^* The polymer/urea derived compound composition is the same as described in Example 1.

Twelve cotton terry towels for each sample were prepared by washing twice in hot water with 120ml of unscented laundry detergent, followed by rinsing three times. Twelve towels of each sample were then washed under a 5 lb boost load. The above load was washed under US conditions (57L top loading washer, 100 ppm hardness, 95F) with 92g US commercial HDL (unperfumed). The fabric softener prepared in samples 16 and 17 was then added to the rinse cycle for a 2 minute rinse. The above washing/rinsing process was repeated three times for each sample. Then the above loads were dried and aged in a room with a relative humidity of 40% for three days. After aging, the fragrance intensity of the two samples was compared by a trained panel of 7 persons, and the results are shown in Table 11.

Table 11 Sample 16 Sample 17 Strongest Scent Voted 2 5

As shown in Table 11, the above-mentioned trained panel selected towels washed in the composition of the present invention (sample 17) to have a greater fragrance intensity (and thus greater intensities of fragrance on the fabric) than towels washed in the control composition (sample 16). more spices deposited on it).

Example 7

Improved decontamination benefits

The purpose of this example is to demonstrate that the compositions of the present invention provide significantly improved stain removal benefits in the laundry process relative to a control composition of identical composition but lacking the polymer/urea derivative composition.

Samples 18-23 were prepared according to Tables 12, 13 and 14, wherein samples 18, 20 and 22 were compositions of the present invention, and samples 19, 21 and 23 were control compositions.

Table 12

liquid fabric softener Element Sample 18 sample 19 Ditallow quaternary ammonium methyl sulfate (Tetranyl AT2-75 from KAO) 3.30% by weight 3.30% by weight Ethoxylated Alcohol (Neodol L25-7 Nonionic Surfactant) 1.0 1.0 fatty alcohol 0.83 0.83 Polymer/urea derived compound composition ^* (50% actives) 10 ---- Deionized water margin margin

^* The polymer/urea derived compound composition is the same as described in Example 1.

Table 13

liquid detergent Element Sample 20 sample 21 Sodium C ₁₂ -C ₁₄ Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (Anionic Surfactant) 8.3% by weight 8.3% by weight C ₁₂ -C ₁₄ 3EO alcohol sulfate 2.0 2.0 Ethoxylated Alcohol (Neodol L25-7 Nonionic Surfactant) 8.0 8.0 Sodium silicate 2.0 2.0 Polymer/urea derived compound composition ^* (50% actives) 2.0 ---- water margin margin

^* The polymer/crosslinking compound composition is the same as described in Example 1.

Table 14

Powdered High Efficiency Detergent Element Sample 22 Sample 23 Sodium C ₁₂ -C ₁₄ Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (Anionic Surfactant) 20.0% by weight 20.0% by weight sodium phosphate 21.0 21.0 Sodium polyacrylate 2.0 2.0 Sodium carbonate 9.0 9.0 Polymer/urea derivative composition ^* (50% actives) 2.0 ---- water and filler margin

^* The polymer/urea derivative composition is the same as described in Example 1.

The test protocol used to determine the liquid fabric softener of samples 18 and 19 is as follows:

Machine wash 42 liters/wash, 5 minute cycle, 3 prewashes, 77°F, US tap water (100ppm hardness). The dosage is 55 grams per wash.

The test procedure includes the following steps:

1. The percale cotton sample is first washed with a commercial high-efficiency liquid detergent and rinsed and dried.

2. Fill the washing machine with water and add each of Samples 18 and 19 to a separate washing machine. The swatches were washed in the softener solution for 5 minutes and then dried without rinsing. Step 2 is repeated 3 times.

3. For each sample, 24 swatches of different fabrics were stained with the soil/stain defined below.

4. Allow the swatches to dry overnight.

5. Wash the swatches in a commercial washing machine with a commercial detergent that does not contain the polymer/urea derivative composition. The swatches were then dried in an electric dryer and their reflectance measured with a Hunter reflectometer.

The test protocol for testing samples 20, 21, 22 and 23 is as follows:

Used a Maytag top loading washer; 17 gallons, regular cycle, 77°F, US tap water (100ppm hardness).

1. Fill the washing machine with water and add each of samples 20, 21, 22 and 23 to a separate washing machine. The above swatches were washed in the above detergent solution and subjected to a full regular cycle (10 minutes) with a rinse step before drying in an electric dryer.

2. Repeat step 1 3 times.

3. For each sample, 24 swatches of different fabrics were soiled with the stain (soil is defined below).

4. Allow the swatches to dry overnight.

5. Final wash of the swatches in a commercial washing machine with commercial detergent not containing the polymer/urea derivative composition. The swatches were then dried in an electrical merchandise dryer and their reflectance measured with a Hunter reflectometer.

6. Calculation of % soil removal is given below. Calculation of Stain Removal % (SR)

1. First wash 24 swatches of different fabrics 3 times with each liquid or powder detergent at 10 minutes/wash respectively.

2. Measure the reflectance of the sample cloth immediately after washing to obtain Lc.

3. Soil the above prewashed swatch with the soil described below and leave overnight.

4. Measure the reflectance of the sample cloth after staining/soiling to obtain Ls.

5. The soiled swatches were then washed once in a commercial detergent not containing the polymer/copolymer system.

6. Then measure the reflectance of the swatch just after washing to obtain Lw.

7. The percentage of decontamination (%SR) is calculated according to the following formula:

%SR＝[(Lw-Ls)/(Lc-Ls)]×100

Use the following dirt/stains:

Oil on cotton cloth

Oil on 65D/35C (polyester/cotton)

Lard on cotton cloth

Lard on 65D/35C

Macaroni Sauce on Cotton Cloth

Macaroni Sauce on 65D/35C

Sebum particles on cotton cloth

Sebum particles on 65D/35C

The doses used in the above testing protocol were as follows:

  Samples 20 and 21-124 grams

  Samples 22 and 23-192 grams

The test results are shown in Tables 15 and 16 below.

Table 15

Stain release without ironing %SR Sample 18 (comparison) 19 20 (comparison) 21 twenty two (comparison) 23 %SR 504.36 481.42 505.0 483.7 494.9 489.9 Δ%SR 22.93 ---- 21.30 ---- 5.0 ----

Table 16

Stain release after ironing %SR sample 18 (comparison) 19 20 (comparison) 21 twenty two (comparison) 23 %SR 498.74 473.00 461.27 433.39 471.28 458.62 Δ%SR 25.74 ---- 27.88 ---- 12.66 ----

Based on the results shown above, the % SR was significantly improved for each composition of the invention relative to each control composition, both on ironed and unironed fabrics. Alternative Embodiments of the Invention

Compositions of the present invention containing cationic softeners and suitable for use in aqueous rinse tanks may also be added to electric dryers with wet laundry to be dried. In this embodiment, the composition is conveniently absorbed into a nonwoven substrate or sheet made of polyester, polyamine or other materials known in the art. The nonwoven sheet impregnated with the fabric care composition is then added to the dryer along with the wet laundry, the composition being deposited onto the fabric surface by physical contact with the nonwoven sheet.

In another alternative embodiment, the compositions of the present invention may also be applied directly to wet laundry prior to drying by spraying or soaking the laundry in the undiluted product composition. The application is followed by drying or drying of the laundry. Using this application method will obtain similar benefits to the previous embodiment.

The compositions of the present invention can be effectively used in various modes of washing and rinsing known in the art, including hand wash and rinse in laundry and machine wash/rinse in laundry.

Claims (16)

1. aqueous fabric care composition, said composition is used in the washing or rinse cycle of washing machine, be used to clean or softening fabrics and simultaneously the fabric after handling provide the gauffer that reduces before relevant moisture absorption, fragrance deposition, decontamination, the flatiron and flatiron back better the outward appearance aspect improvement benefit, described composition comprises:

(a) about 0.1% the tensio-active agent that is selected from negatively charged ion, nonionic and cats product to about 30% weight, and wherein said tensio-active agent is not derived from hydrazine;

(b) about 0.1% to (i) of the about 5% weight polymkeric substance derived from polycarboxylic acid; And (ii) derived from the compound of urea; And

(c) water of surplus and auxiliary agent.

2. the Fabrid care composition of claim 1, it comprises a kind of cats product fabric softener.

3. the Fabrid care composition of claim 1, wherein said polymkeric substance is water-soluble polymeric vinylformic acid or its water-soluble salt.

4. the Fabrid care composition of claim 1, wherein said urea derived compounds is selected from N, two (2-hydroxyethyl) urea, four (2-hydroxyethyl) urea, three (2-hydroxyethyl) ureas of N-, N, N '-two (2-hydroxyethyl) urea, N, N '-two (3-hydroxypropyl) urea, N, N '-two (4-hydroxyl butyl) urea and 2-urea-2-ethyl-1, ammediol.

5. the Fabrid care composition of claim 1, in the wherein said polymkeric substance in the equivalent sum of functional group and the described urea derived compounds ratio of the equivalent number of hydroxyl be about 1: 1 to about 100: 1.

6. method of handling fabric, this method provide the better benefit of outward appearance aspect of the gauffer that reduces before relevant moisture absorption, fragrance deposition, decontamination, the flatiron and flatiron back in cleaning or softening described fabric, it comprises:

(a) above-mentioned fabrics is contacted with the Fabrid care composition of the claim 1 of significant quantity.

7. the method for claim 6, wherein said contact occurs in the washing or rinse cycle of automatic washing machine.

8. the method for claim 6, wherein said Fabrid care composition comprises a kind of cats product fabric softener, and described contact occurs in the rinse cycle or aqueous rinse tank of automatic washing machine.

9. the method for claim 6, wherein said Fabrid care composition comprises a kind of water-soluble polymeric vinylformic acid or its water-soluble salt.

10. one kind is used for to the dryer sheet that the fabric nursing benefit is provided at electric dryer exsiccant clothing, and it comprises:

(a) a kind of base material;

(b) a kind of coating on described base material, it is used for providing the fabric nursing benefit to the fabric of handling at above-mentioned dryer, and described coating is made up of the Fabrid care composition of claim 1 basically.

11. the dryer sheet of claim 10, wherein said base material are a kind of nonwoven sheets.

12. the dryer sheet of claim 10, wherein said Fabrid care composition comprise a kind of cats product fabric softener.

13. method of handling fabric, this method in cleaning or softening this fabric, provide the gauffer that reduces before relevant moisture absorption, fragrance deposition, decontamination, the flatiron and flatiron back better the outward appearance aspect improvement benefit, it comprises the Fabrid care composition to the claim 1 of above-mentioned fabric applications significant quantity.

14. the method for claim 13, wherein said Fabrid care composition is applied on the fabric by spray dispenser.

15. the method for claim 13, wherein said Fabrid care composition is applied on this fabric by fabric being immersed in described aqueous Fabrid care composition.

16. the method for claim 13, wherein said Fabrid care composition are applied on the described fabric by described fabric is contacted with the dryer sheet of claim 11 in electric dryer.